On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy will transform into a vibrant hub of hope, remembrance, and community spirit as residents gather for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This annual event, the world’s largest dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, invites families, friends, and neighbors to take meaningful steps toward ending a disease that affects millions across the country—including right here in our own community.
Why Quincy Walks
The choice of venue—the Illinois Veterans Home—is both symbolic and practical. Veterans are statistically more likely to develop dementia, and the facility’s memory care unit underscores the importance of specialized support for those affected. Hosting the walk here is a powerful reminder of the intersection between service, sacrifice, and the urgent need for compassionate care.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” says Todd Lamison, Alzheimer’s Association Walk Manager. “There are now treatments that change the course of the disease. We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments, and finally ending this disease.”
A Family-Friendly Day of Purpose
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of life, love, and resilience. The event is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, with activities for all ages:
Children are encouraged to participate alongside their families. Alzheimer’s affects entire households, and involving kids helps foster empathy and understanding from a young age.
Leashed, friendly pets are welcome too! A dedicated pet area will offer water and treats, making sure our furry friends are cared for while they walk in solidarity.
Water and breakfast snacks will be available to keep everyone energized.
Games and crafts will entertain children and adults alike, creating joyful moments amid the serious mission.
A selfie station will help teams capture memories of the day, while the Tribute Wall offers a space to honor loved ones lost or currently battling Alzheimer’s. Participants are encouraged to bring photos to pin up in remembrance.
The Promise Garden Ceremony
One of the most moving parts of the day is the Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that visually represents the community’s commitment to ending Alzheimer’s. Participants carry flowers of different colors, each symbolizing their personal connection to the disease:
Blue: Someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Purple: Someone who has lost a loved one to the disease.
Yellow: Someone currently supporting or caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.
Orange: A supporter of the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.
This ceremony is a poignant reminder that while each walker’s story is unique, they are united in purpose.
A Personal Story: Love, Linda
Among the many teams walking this year is Team Love, Linda, honoring the life and legacy of Linda McCormick, who battled Alzheimer’s for six years.
“My husband and I moved my mom and dad into our home,” shares Linda’s daughter, a registered nurse. “Even though I’m an RN, there was only so much I could do without hired help. I’m happy we were able to fulfill her wish of staying at home—but it was hard on our whole family.”
Linda passed away in January 2024, but her memory lives on through her daughter’s commitment to the cause. “I miss her every day. I want her life to positively impact the lives of others fighting this disease and those who are caring for them. So I WALK FOR LINDA, MY MOM.”
Stories like Linda’s are the heartbeat of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. They remind us that behind every statistic is a person—a parent, a grandparent, a friend—whose life has been touched by this devastating disease.
The Scope of the Challenge
Alzheimer’s is a growing public health crisis:
More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s.
It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Over 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In Illinois alone, more than 266,500 people are living with the disease, supported by 314,000 caregivers.
These numbers are staggering, but they also underscore the importance of events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Every dollar raised helps fund critical research, support services, and advocacy efforts that bring us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re walking in honor of a loved one, supporting a friend, or simply want to make a difference, there are many ways to participate:
Start or join a team: Rally your family, coworkers, or community group to walk together.
Fundraise: Every contribution helps advance the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Volunteer: Help with setup, registration, or activities on walk day.
Spread the word: Share your story on social media and encourage others to join.
To register and receive updates, visit act.alz.org/quincy.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a global leader in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Since 1989, it has mobilized millions through the Memory Walk, now evolved into the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The organization’s mission is to accelerate global research, drive risk reduction and early detection, and maximize quality care and support.
For more information, visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Final Thoughts
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement. It’s a day when Quincy comes together to honor the past, support the present, and fight for a future free of Alzheimer’s. Whether you walk, volunteer, or donate, your involvement matters.
So mark your calendar for September 20, 2025, and join us at the Illinois Veterans Home. Let’s walk together—for Linda, for our veterans, for our families, and for the millions still waiting for a cure.
Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.